Simon, a former journalist, has been Jones' deputy as senior digital campaigns manager since 2011.

Incoming director of government communications Alex Aiken has asked Simon to fill the position for six months to oversee a number of upcoming projects, after which the ten-person digital team will be reviewed to ensure it fits with the Government's requirements.

Specific projects Simon will oversee include developing the GREAT campaign, promoting the UK around the world and digital activity for the G8 summit due to be held in the UK in June.

Other plans include communicating ongoing civil service reform, with a priority being the migration of government department websites over to gov.uk as part of its digital strategy for reform. The new Cabinet Office site was launched two weeks ago with Number 10 and the Deputy Prime Minister’s office websites due to move shortly.

Simon previously worked with Jones at the Central Office of Information on interactive services and has held senior editor and interactive roles at the BBC and ITN.

Simon told PRWeek: 'I will be working closely with Alex to ensure digital gets the emphasis it deserves within government communications.'